The Indiana High School Athletic Association is making its stance on national anthem protests clear after two referees threatened to disqualify volleyball players if they kneeled at a weekend tournament in Lawrence.

The state's governing body for high school athletics says it is "silent" on the topic and its referees shouldn't be weighing in.

The incident happened before the start of a match between Lawrence Central and Cathedral on Saturday morning at Lawrence North High School.

According to IHSAA Commissioner Bobby Cox, an investigation revealed that referees held a discussion during a meeting before the match, and that meeting included statements about disqualifying students who did not show respect for the flag or the national anthem.

It is unclear exactly what the referees said to the students or if their statements were a response to something someone else did or said.

None of the student athletes kneeled, Cox said. But if they had, he said that students "may not be suspended for activities occurring during the presentation of our national anthem by licensed contest officials." He added that the threats of disqualification are not within the authority of the referees.

"Our office has communicated with these officials and all contest officials reminding them of their assigned duties and those outside their jurisdiction," Cox said.

As far as making sure that officials know the IHSAA policy, Cox said his office is able to communicate directly via email to every licensed official and every member school when necessary.

Any future missteps by referees would be handled on a situational basis, Cox said. Possible punishment could range from reprimand to suspension of licensure.

"The IHSAA is silent on the topic of behaviors exhibited by participants at an athletic contest during the presentation of the national anthem," Cox said in a written statement. "The IHSAA by-laws provide support in Rules 3 and 8 with respect to conduct and the authority vested with the Principal to enforce such accepted behaviors.

"It is the sincere desire of the IHSAA that all participants at an education based athletic event demonstrate proper respect and attention during the presentation of our national anthem while respecting the rights of individual freedoms of expression."

Dana Altemeyer, a spokeswoman for Lawrence Township Schools, said administrations from both Lawrence North and Lawrence Central high school have communicated their concerns to the IHSAA.

"We are deeply concerned about a lack of unclear guidelines for officials. No events transpired involving behavior on the part of MSD of Lawrence Township student athletes, coaches, or fans," Altemeyer said in a statement. "The MSD of Lawrence Township respects fully individuals right to freedom of expression that does not interfere or infringe on the rights of others."

Call IndyStar reporter Justin L. Mack at (317) 444-6138 or email him at justin.mack@indystar.com. Follow him on Twitter: @justinlmack.